January 20, 2023
The violin is an important instrument in innumerable musical genres and traditions. It has origins dating back over 1,000 years and, for the most part, has existed in its current form for nearly 500 years. Early History The exact origins of bowed string instruments are unclear. There is evidence of bowed string instruments dating back […]
September 29, 2020
In the spring of 2020, the video conferencing platform Zoom went from something not many music educators knew about to an ubiquitous and essential teaching tool virtually overnight. However, just because Zoom might be a big part of your life doesn’t mean you’re getting the best audio performance possible from the platform. In this guide, […]
September 28, 2020
Technology was swiftly becoming an important tool for music education, even before the pandemic. As the crisis continues to upend music classrooms across the country, technology is now, and for the foreseeable future, a lifeline for educators and students. The SAMR education model is a guide for leveraging technologies like devices, platforms, applications, and software […]
July 23, 2020
For music educators, there are some days when connecting with ensembles seems downright impossible under the best of circumstances. But with education moving online due to Covid-19 concerns, music educators have the added challenge of teaching remotely in a passionate and effective way. While remote teaching has its challenges, students have never needed music education […]
When you think about the factors that determine whether the students in your band program will be successful or not, you probably think about the behavior, dedication, and talent of your kids before anything else. But there’s one major factor that may have just as great if not more of an impact than how your […]
May 5, 2020
Every year, Music & Arts highlights the work of an outstanding music educator with the Music & Arts Music Educator of the Year Award. We’re proud to announce that Karen Seamans, Band Director of Gillette Rd. Middle School and Cicero-North Syracuse High School in Cicero, New York, is the 2019 recipient. Karen’s remarkable enthusiasm and commitment to enriching her […]
June 4, 2017
I have been teaching guitar for over 30 years, and through those years I have taught students of all ages 12 through the mature adult. I was working out of the local music store where the bulk of my students were teenagers, young adult rockers or the retired adult who always wanted to play guitar […]
November 14, 2016
Whether you’re taking over a choir from a previous director or building one from the ground up, growing and maintaining a successful choir can be a difficult task. Some directors have a hard time convincing people to join the choir, while others have trouble convincing members to stay beyond the first or second rehearsal. In […]
November 6, 2016
As a music educator, keeping your students entertained throughout the year can be difficult, especially during the holiday season or in the days following a big performance. Sure, you can give your students a free period or pop in a Disney movie, but why not plan something that’s fun and educational, instead? From classroom games […]
November 4, 2016
Sometimes we forget just how much work music educators across the country put in to keep music programs alive. But, it’s programs like our annual Music Educator of the Year award that quickly remind us of the amazing impact educators have on students and their communities. We received applications from all across the country for […]
